Zidane takes charge of the Blues, Mbappé withdraws for flu

The expected reunion, in front of the cameras, between Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé will wait. At 5:44 p.m. Tuesday, the ax fell. The captain of the Blues is announced forfeit for today's session due to flu syndrome. Ten minutes earlier, the reigning Ballon d'Or had already appeared on the pitch with the rest of the France group, signing autographs in front of the 200 privileged people present at Clairefontaine.

The next few hours will reveal more about the state of health of the Madrilenian, who was not at the table with his partners this lunchtime, but his absence did not prevent the session from running smoothly. Eager not to take the spotlight, Zinédine Zidane voluntarily arrived on the pitch twenty minutes after everyone else, arousing the slight concern of the trainer Gregory Dupont, while waiting for the boss. In the stands, no doubt, the star of the day is called “ZZ”, with many gestures of affection towards him. “Zizou”, “Zidane you are the best”, “Zinédine we love you”, chanted the supporters present. White cap and jacket, blue bottoms, still in Nike, the official sponsor of the selection, the new boss raised his hand in thanks before getting down to business.

Also read Platini, Zidane, Deschamps, Mbappé… How the new staff moved the Blues after a video at Clairefontaine

A staff that wants play, a group that puts on intensity

What to remember from the first session of the week with 22 elements three days before the first match against Turkey in the Nations League? The new staff's clear desire to set up sessions focused on the game, with little warm-up without a ball, two touches of the ball maximum, and the players' desire to make themselves look good. Good student. Considering the intensity in each exercise and particularly during oppositions, all counters are reset to zero. Everyone wants to score points. And its territory. Like the rough duel between Adrien Truffert and Rayan Cherki, causing the City playmaker to grimace, slightly injured in the ankle.

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The sense of Da Cunha's pass, the activity of Truffert... Zidane didn't miss anything

With David Bettoni, assistant number 1 in charge and whose mocking voice is easily recognizable, Zinédine Zidane, sometimes with arms crossed, sometimes at the heart of the game, also gave voice to a very attentive group. Logical for this return to school, with a very strong common desire to be seen in its best light with the new boss and his acolytes. Note the great activity of Adrien Truffert and the sense of passing of Lucas Da Cunha, candidates for a starting place on Friday. Without forgetting the accuracy of Michael Olise or even Rayan Cherki.

In the process, Zidane, among his players, wanted to see the trio Barcola-Dembele-Doué, completed by the midfielder Rabiot-Da Cunha-Cherki against a Maignan who was in demand and unaccustomed to being in training. Before Lepaul, Olise or even Koné and Akliouche were also observed in front of a voluble and directive Zidane.

Also read Zidane and his “beautiful remains”, death of his father, “waking dream”: Estéban Lepaul, the refreshing press conference of the new kid on the Blues

Zidane and Barthez have an autograph session

At the end of the session, Zidane surprised his bodyguard, who was waiting for him to return to the locker room. “He’s going where, he’s serious,” smiled the member of security, forced to hasten his pace to join the former number 10 and Fabien Barthez, who had gone to sign a few autographs on the other side of the field. To the great pleasure of those happy in the evening, rewarded for their presence. Wednesday, closed session and Thursday, it will already be time to leave for Türkiye.